2017

TG3203 : Winter purslane (Claytonia perfoliata)

taken 9 years ago, near to Rockland St Mary, Norfolk, England

Winter purslane (Claytonia perfoliata)
Winter purslane (Claytonia perfoliata)
The plant is also known as miners' lettuce (it received this name during the California gold rush when the miners discovered that they could top up their Vitamin C levels by eating the leaves and thus prevent scurvy) and as Indian lettuce (it was eaten either raw or cooked or used for making tea by the Native Americans), and as spring beauty. The plant originates from the west coast of North America from where Archibald Menzies, the Scottish surgeon, botanist and naturalist who had collected specimens for Kew Gardens, is believed to have introduced it into Europe during the 18th century.

Winter purslane is described as tasting similar to water chestnut or spinach, and like the latter, the leaves can be eaten raw or boiled. This specimen was photographed on the Hellington and Rockland St Mary Community Reserve. For a wider view of the location where it can be found see > Link.
The Hellington and Rockland St Mary Community Reserve

In 2014, the development and management of the Hellington and Rockland St Mary Community Reserve, comprising the eastern end of Hellington Low Common, was taken on by a community trust "for the benefit of the inhabitants and those interested in Hellington and Rockland St Mary, without distinction of gender, sexual orientation, race or political, religious or other opinions". The land is owned by the Parochial Church Council, with the rent being paid from stakeholders' subscriptions.

The reserve is a designated county wildlife site and covers 6.6 acres of ground which is traversed by the Hellington Beck. With the help of local volunteers and supported by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the Parish and South Norfolk District Councils, the trust aims to manage the condition of the reserve and to create a healthy environment for diverse species of flora and fauna to flourish, and to educate visitors of all ages, with the objectives of improving the condition of the reserve and providing opportunities to enjoy the countryside.

On the sandy area of grassland to the south of the beck Dove's-foot crane's bill (Geranium molle) > Link , Common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) > Link and Spring beauty (Claytonia perfoliata) > Link can be seen; Common reed (Phragmites australis), Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) , Water mint ((Mentha aquatica) > Link and Hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) grow on the lower marshy ground north of the beck. Beside the path Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) > Link , Primrose (Primular vulgaris) > Link and Dog violet (viola riviniana) > Link can be found. Red campion (Silene dioica) > Link , Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) > Link and Greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) > Link grow on the bank of the beck which is populated by clusters of Watercress ((Nasturtium officinale) > Link. 600 native hedge plants, shrubs and trees have also been planted.


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Geographical Context: Wild Animals, Plants and Mushrooms
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TG3203, 568 images   (more nearby 🔍)
Photographer
Evelyn Simak   (more nearby)
Date Taken
Saturday, 8 April, 2017   (more nearby)
Submitted
Saturday, 8 April, 2017
Subject Location
OSGB36: geotagged! TG 3233 0393 [10m precision]
WGS84: 52:35.0100N 1:25.6802E
Camera Location
OSGB36: geotagged! TG 3231 0393
View Direction
EAST (about 90 degrees)
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Image Type (about): close look 
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